Hondurans will cast their votes for a new president on March 3, 2024, in an election marked by unexpected U.S. intervention that has complicated an already close race. As the country prepares for this pivotal moment, three candidates have emerged as the frontrunners in a contest that could shape the future of Honduras.
Among the five candidates on the ballot, Rixi Moncada, aged 60, stands out. She previously served as both finance and defense secretary under the current administration of President Xiomara Castro. Moncada is running for the social democrat LIBRE party, advocating for economic reforms aimed at addressing the stark wealth disparities in Honduras.
Salvador Nasralla, a familiar face in Honduran politics, is making his fourth attempt at the presidency. This time, he represents the conservative Liberal Party. Nasralla positions himself as an outsider, determined to combat the pervasive corruption that has plagued the country for years.
The third leading candidate is Nasry “Tito” Asfura, the former mayor of Tegucigalpa, who is campaigning for the conservative National Party. Asfura aims to revitalize the National Party’s image as a pro-business entity, following a series of scandals that have marred its reputation.
Honduras has seen improvements in its security situation, with a decline in homicide rates across the region. Nevertheless, it still retains the highest homicide rate in Central America. Citizens have indicated that security and job creation remain their top priorities, despite some economic strengthening during Castro’s tenure.
The election campaign had largely revolved around candidates trading accusations of potential vote manipulation. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically when former U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Asfura and criticized his opponents. Trump further unsettled the electorate by announcing on Friday that he would pardon former President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is currently serving a 45-year sentence in a U.S. prison for facilitating drug trafficking operations.
The implications of Trump’s involvement in the election remain uncertain. His actions signal a renewed interest from the United States in the region, coinciding with heightened tensions due to U.S. military activities in the Caribbean and Trump’s confrontational stance towards Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Many Hondurans are left anxious about the impact of U.S. attention on their electoral process, hoping for a peaceful voting experience. In addition to the presidential election, voters will also select a new Congress and numerous mayors and city council members, making this a crucial moment for the country.
As the election unfolds, the world watches closely, keen to understand how this leadership change could influence not only Honduras but also U.S.-Latin American relations moving forward.